Reports: NiJaree Canady to return to Texas Tech softball in 2026 with new NIL deal
OKLAHOMA CITY — NiJaree Canady and her management team have never been consistent in saying the star pitcher intended to end her college career with the Texas Tech softball team.
But we now know more about what the star pitcher's plans are.
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Hours before the she leads the Texas Tech softball team into Game 3 of the Women's College World Series championship against Texas, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reports that Canady has signed on to return to the Red Raiders for the 2026 season, citing her manager, Derrick Shelby of Prestige Management Group, as the source of the information.
Shelburne's report calls it "another seven-figure NIL contract with the Matador Club," Tech's name, image and likeness collective. Co-founder John Sellers and his wife, Traci Sellers, were at the forefront of Canady's first deal last summer to get her to Lubbock. On3's Pete Nakos reports the deal to be around $1.2 million, a small increase from her deal signed last year.
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders pitcher NiJaree Canady (24) slaps utility Bailey Lindemuth (55) hand and infielder Lauren Allred (11) looks on after Canady made a diving catch for an out in the second inning against the Texas Longhorns during game two of the NCAA Softball Women's College World Series finals at Devon Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
The return on investment of that record-breaking deal has been astronomical for Texas Tech. Canady has earned just about every pitcher of the year award this season, including from the Big 12 Conference, D1Softball and National Fastpitch Coaches Association. She helped lead the Red Raiders to the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles, a home regional, a regional title, a super regional title and WCWS appearance — all firsts in program history.
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Canady will try to deliver the team's first national championship tonight in Game 3 of the finals against Texas.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: NiJaree Canady signs new NIL deal to return to Texas Tech softball | Reports
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